An off-grid solution provides power for site security
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For residents of small villages, farming communities, and remote homes, installing CCTV surveillance or alarm systems can be challenging due to insufficient mains power supply or the prohibitive costs of running cabling across fields.
This issue also affects businesses and commercial facilities in rural areas, where fitting alarm units or high-powered security systems to outbuildings or perimeters spanning large areas is often impractical.
Exposed rural retreat chooses an off-grid security solution
According to the NFU Mutual’s 2024 Crime Report, figures estimate that the cost of rural crime increased by 4.3% year-on-year in 2023 to £52.8m.
The splendid Ardverikie Estate in Scotland is a truly stunning location and, unsurprisingly, has been the backdrop to many films. Steeped in history, The Estate now looks to modern innovation to combat the rise in rural crime.
Ardverikie Estate is responsible for the stewardship of over 16,000 hectares of land in the central Scottish Highlands on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Rural zones are more exposed to issues such as theft of farming equipment, machinery, tools, fuel, and residential robberies where remote properties are unsupervised.
As well as substantial renewables interests from two hydro schemes, the estate operates 6 self-catering holiday cottages (two of which are off grid), and over 2,000 hectares of commercial forestry.
There are 11,000 hectares of open hill, where an extensive herd of wild red deer are managed in balance with the habitat. Due to the size of the estate and the need to provide power to a variety of remote properties and monitoring installations, off-grid solutions to provide power have become increasingly important.
Estate Manager Phil Lloyd stated, “We have been experiencing security issues on a very remote part of the estate. Existing padlocks and gates have proved vulnerable to damage. There is no power supply nearby, so an off-grid solution has been sought by the estate which will provide power for security gate operation and CCTV monitoring.”
Due to the size of the estate, and the need to provide power to a variety of remote properties and monitoring installations, off-grid solutions to provide power have become increasingly important.
Combatting low temperatures with an efficient off-grid energy solution
Due to the remote aspects of the site, it was essential to be able to deploy a solution which could be monitored remotely. The location which required new security gates and CCTV monitoring is several miles from the nearest grid electricity supply. In addition, the estate is exposed to severe winter weather, with temperatures down to -15°C.
Extreme temperatures can significantly affect the life and performance of system components, particularly any batteries. Freezing conditions can reduce battery capacity and efficiency, and this can potentially result in a shorter lifespan for devices that depend on batteries as their source of energy.
It was important for Phil to be able to specify and source a solution which was reliable, and rugged and was offered by a good supplier who was able to give technical backup if necessary.
An efficient, robust off-grid solution is a necessity to combat rural crime
Energy storage is a critical component of any off-grid power system, ensuring you have access to electricity even when the sun isn’t shining.
Energy Solutions has previously provided Ardverikie with an Easygrid 10000 hybrid power unit and other components to build their small off-grid systems for the estate.
Following advice from the sales team at Energy Solutions, a full off-grid solution was configured and constructed with the team’s guidance. This consisted of a Victron Multiplus and Solar Controller, 1.6kw of solar panels, Cerbo GX and SmartShunt.
“Energy Solutions has been first class - the advice from the sales team means that we can order Victron components in confidence, knowing that once implemented, the off-grid solution would work out of the box.”
Phil Lloyd - Estate Manager
The system now powers electric gates with magnetic locks and a 4 camera HD CCTV system. Given the remoteness of the site, a 4G router was added. The Victron CerboGX feeds into this (along with the CCTV system), which always allows full remote monitoring through the Victron VRM app.
The battery selected was a Fogstar 200ah Lithium with built-in heater – essential as the site is exposed to temperatures as low as -15°C. The main housing cabinet also has an anti-tamper alarm fitted.
Sizing the battery and solar panels correctly was important for continual year-round use. Monitoring so far through VRM suggests current sizing is correct.
Phil was keen to add, “Energy Solutions has been first class, the advice from the sales team means that we can order Victron components in confidence, knowing that once implemented, the off-grid solution would work out of the box. On the rare occasions we have needed technical backup, it has been easy to obtain, or Energy Solutions have resolved configuration changes remotely.”
The ability to deliver power to areas without a mains connection means that even the most remote camping and accommodation locations can offer their guests amenities such as lighting, heating, cooking, fridges, and even washing machines.
This brings a few extra comforts and has allowed Ardverikie to deliver a truly individual experience for their guests in a secure environment.
The future of Off-grid power systems
The adoption of off-grid power systems for remote businesses looks transformative due to the many benefits gained, such as long-term savings, scalability, and energy independence.
As battery and solar technology continue to advance, an increasing number of people are adopting self-sufficient power solutions for their homes and businesses. The latest generation of technology offers unprecedented efficiency, convenience, and sustainability, making energy independence more accessible than ever.
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